This Is Where It Ends

Chapter 22 covers only one minute, from 10:46 to 10:47 a.m., and closes with Autumn roaming the first-floor until she rounds a corner: “Ty stands in the center of the hallway, and he swings his gun wildly […] Tomas’s prone body lies at Tyler’s feet” (248). Students rush outside to safety in the parking lot, as Claire discovers why Deputy Lee wanted to keep her away from the scene. Claire overhears horrific stories, as junior Steve Jackson recalls watching his friend get shot, and wonders if his friend CJ is okay. “I never realized that courage was so terrifying” (247) Claire says, as Chris hugs her and calls Claire brave. The chapter opens with Sylv reminiscing about how Tomas loved to go running on rainy days like today, despite his family’s complaints he’d get sick. “I’m running with the wind,” Tomas used to say, “and no one will ever catch me. Not even death” (244). 

Another fast-paced one-minute section, Chapter 23 covers from 10:47 to 10:48 a.m. as Autumn confronts Tyler in the hallway, while the gun hangs at his side. Autumn tells Tyler SWAT teams are near and reaches out to her brother: “You know, after Mom died, apart from